7 Signs You're a Thru-Hiker

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1. You’re immune to your own smell.

Just because you can’t smell anything doesn’t mean the people around you can’t. Big miles = big stink.

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2. You are unfazed by things that would terrify others.

(Photo by Courtesy of Katmai National Park)

Thru-hiking means enduring big miles, sudden weather changes, possible close encounters with animals, and the occasional thieving marmot. Most people would flee from such hardships, but it’s the norm for a thru-hiker.

3. Your feet are mostly moleskin, duct tape, and callouses.

(summonedbyfells/flickr)

Proper hiking boot fit is essential, but even the best boots can’t prevent every blister, especially with the high mileage a thru-hike demands.

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4. You’ve become overly comfortable with discussing bodily functions.

Keeping track of your bowel health on a thru-hike is important because it can be an indicator of major health problems. Once you’re off the trail however, it ceases for the most part to be an acceptable topic for conversation. Especially over dinner.

5. Fresh food you don’t have to prepare is nothing short of miraculous.

(spilltojill/Flickr)

Thru-hiking a trail means a lot of meal prep time, and burger joints are a godsend. Just try not to shed too many tears of joy when your meal arrives. It might make the other customers uncomfortable.

6. You set up your tent inside because it feels more like home.

(iwona_kellie/Flickr)

Transitioning back to normal life after a thru-hike can take a little time. Until then, your own personal nylon cocoon will help you feel safe.

7. You’ve forgotten where things are in your house.

(Joe Ross/Flickr)

It’s much easier to find what you need when everything you have is in the bag you’re carrying on your back.

These men and women were photographed as they thru-hiked the 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail, from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin, Maine. They each walked more than 2,000 miles—enduring the Smokies, the Shenandoahs, and the White Mountains—to get

A little creak in the joints didn’t stop these 50+ year olds. Emotional maturity, discipline, and life experience helped these eight badass older hikers thru-hike as well as—if not better than—any young buck.